Your speech and social media usage could land you in jail in the United Kingdom, but now, authorities will be monitoring your emotions. Technology has enabled nations to become increasingly Draconian, with eerily detailed information available to government agencies at all times. Residents around the UK are well aware of the CCTV cameras monitoring their every move. The Home Office would now like to use that footage to monitor civilian behavior and facial expression to identify criminals.
The technology may be employed at known suicide hot spots to identify anyone who may seem distressed. Yet, the example was merely discussed as it is the most palatable. Facial recognition technology will be cross-referenced with mugshots in the national crime database. Everyone is a potential criminal—your face and likeness exist within a government database, and your file is ever-expanding.
Ministers would like police to have full access to citizens’ information, from passports to drivers’ licenses, that will be stored in a centralized database. There’s no need to ask for identification since the authorities will already know who you are before approaching you. These cameras will identify the clothes you wear, hats, bags, accessories, and of course, your vehicles.
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said, “Confident, safe, and consistent use of facial recognition and similar technologies at significantly greater scale requires a more specific legal framework. This will ensure law enforcement can properly harness the power of this technology whilst maintaining public confidence.” I highly doubt this move will “maintain public confidence,” instead, citizens will undoubtedly know that the government sees them as a potential threat and their guards must be up at all times.
The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners asked for access to doorbell cameras and body cameras when crime scenes are searched, even if that occurs in a private domicile. “’These technologies are increasingly invasive and sophisticated. If they are to gain the trust and support of the public… they require robust and independent assessment prior to deployment, meaningful oversight and accountability to the public when things go wrong,” the agency commented.
There has not been an instance in history when increased government surveillance led to a safer or happier nation. Governments are desperate and see control and confidence fading from their grip. The West will become increasingly Draconian as we move through this private wave because they believe the people are responsible for their crises.